Oasis Academy Charter School has received a $4.3 million grant from the William N. Pennington Foundation to assist in the building of a new facility to house Oasis Academy College Prep off Venturacci Lane.
Construction is set to begin immediately and the facility will be operational for the 2024-25 school year. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held Sept. 18 at 10:30 a.m.
William N. Pennington was a gaming industry pioneer, entrepreneur, and one of Nevada’s leading philanthropists. The Pennington Foundation was also the lead donor for the William N. Pennington Life Center and the William N. Pennington Fallon Youth Club.
“If it were not for the generosity of the William N. Pennington Foundation, Oasis Academy would not be able to complete a project of this size,” said Melissa Mackedon, Oasis Academy’s chief executive officer.
Facilities funding is one of a charter school’s greatest challenges.
“As a public charter school Oasis does not receive state or local funding for facilities. Building this high school is a step toward providing our students with the facilities they deserve,” Mackedon said.
Oasis Academy College Prep opened in 2015 and has been a five-star rated high school since its inception. The school has continued to have a 100% graduation rate.